RSVP Magazine March 2014 by RSVP Magazine

March 2014

Staxtacular Science of Beer Italian Winterfest Cirque du CMOM Les Passees Cabaret Ball Memphi Mid-Winter Ball

CONTENTS

Contents March 201 4

From the Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Signature Memphis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 RSVP meets up with the Honorable Carolyn Wade Blackett for a lively chat. Cirque du CMOM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Honoring the diverse entrepreneurial spirit of Memphis, this annual fund-raiser was a night of great food and fun.

58 ITALIAN WINTERFEST Kevin and Terry Lane

The Ambassador Series . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 The Kolopanas: 30A Farmers Market The journey of one Memphis familyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s move to create a farmers market in the sunshine and breeze of Rosemary Beach, Florida is captured by Eugene Pidgeonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s articulate pen.

12 CIRQUE DU CMOM Paul and Christy Covington

StreetSeens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 & 22 She is breathing life into the artistic landscape of Memphis. This business trailblazM A R C H 2 0 14

er talks about her newest endeavor in the food industry. StreetSeens highlight Elizabeth Rouse and Nikki Schroeder.

Vox Popular . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24 Q&A with the CEO and president at Girls Inc. of Memphis, Lisa Moore. Science of Beer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28 Locals get a good dose of science with their beer at this brew tasting at the Pink

4 RSVP

Palace Family of Museums.

Onsites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36, 37, 52 & 53 Gatherings that have earned an honorable mention.

39 STAXTACULAR Vaughan and Joe Stewart

Staxtacular . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39 Memphians had some soul-shaking fun at the fund-raiser for the Stax Music Academy at the Stax Museum of American Soul Music.

46 MEMPHI MID-WINTER BALL Michel Allen Skaggs and Dale Skaggs

Memphi Mid-Winter Ball . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46 The Mystic Society of Memphi welcomed their 2014 duchesses in a dazzling winter bash.

Les Passees Cabaret Ball . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54 The Tower Center provided the perfect spot to celebrate the newest Living Ads. Italian Winterfest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58 Family and friends commemorate the life of Angelo Lucchesi at this annual celebration of Italian heritage.

RSVPhillippi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65 Get Off My Lap Humor columnist Dennis Phillippi explains why he is just a man that loves cats.

SCIENCE OF BEER Mary Schmidt and Brian Prather

54 LES PASSEES CABARET BALL Annie McPherson with Delia and Doug McPherson

Cover Photo Sara and Pete Kris at Memphi Mid-Winter Ball Photo by Don Perry

Volume XIX

Number VI

March 201 4 PUBLISHER

Roy Haithcock EDITOR

R achel Warren CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Jeannie Ashford Leah Fitzpatrick Dennis Phillippi Eugene Pidgeon Suzanne Thompson Lesley Young ART DIRECTOR

Patrick Aker s PHOTOGRAPHERS

Baxter Buck Don Perry Steve Roberts

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ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

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Chris Pugh Kristen Miller ACCOUNTING

Ruth Cassin RSVP Memphis is published monthly by Haithcock Communications, Inc. First class subscriptions are available for $55.00 per year. Send name and address with a check to: Haithcock Communications, Inc. 2282 Central Avenue Memphis, TN 38104 For advertising information contact Roy Haithcock Phone (901) 276-7787, ext. 101 Fax (901) 276-7785 e-mail publisher@rsvpmagazine.com WEB

www.rsvpmagazine.com For editorial information or to request coverage of an event, please contact RSVP Magazine one month prior to the event. Call 901-276-7787, ext. 105 or fax to 901-276-7785. e-mail editor@rsvpmagazine.com Follow us on

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R SV P S TA F F

CHRIS PUGH,

Chris has been exercising his talent in the advertising world since 1999. He joined the RSVP team in 2009 and brought with him a love for laughter and creativity. Originally from New Albany, Mississippi, Chris has settled in Memphis and enjoys being active in the fashion community.

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ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE 901.276.7787, EXT. 103 chris@rsvpmagazine.com

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KRISTEN MILLER, ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE 901.276.7787, EXT. 104 kristen@rsvpmagazine.com

Having worked in print advertising for nearly eight years, Kristen Miller felt it was a natural fit to join the RSVP team as an account executive. Kristen, who lives in Arlington with her husband and four children, loves to cook, fish, watch college and Arlington Tigers football, spend time with her family and advertising, of course.

From the Editor

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arch is upon us, and here in the South that means it’s the month of tank tops and short sleeves worn under our winter jackets. It’s a contradictory month, one where you wake up to frost and by mid-day you’re perspiring in your long sleeves. March is the beginning of spring and the saying goes that it comes in like a lion and leaves like a lamb. Yet, in the South, I am of the opinion that it comes in more like lion, lamb, lion, lamb, etc. until your daily wardrobe includes a wool jacket, shorts, layers of t-shirts and an umbrella just in case. Despite this, I am a big fan of March. It’s the month of beginnings, warm weather is starting to sneak its way in and you can actually see people taking a stroll, a stark contrast to the previous month when the only outdoors movements seen were people walking as fast as they could, huddled in a swath of jackets. Although January is technically the beginning of the New Year, I say March is truly the month of change and new resolutions because, as we have all learned from the previous months, everything is harder to do in winter. The spring weather invites change and, with it, I am resolving to kick a couple of bad winter habits, shake the cold from my bones and create more. Whether that means, create more movement, create more art, create more space or simply creating new and meaningful relationships with those in the community around me, I am hoping to simply create more and use less. I invite you to join me. Get out there and explore the opportunities to create something positive. We spend a lot of time in our culture using and taking, but there is joy in creating. Check out our Q&A with Lisa Moore, CEO and president of Girls Inc. of Memphis, on page 24 and see how you can create change in the life of a young girl or take a look at the wonderful art that ArtsMemphis is delivering to Memphis on page 20 and get inspired. March is also the month of when we celebrate the legacy of my Irish ancestors with parades and the ancient tradition of drinking green beer. Let’s all toast a green beer to some welcome change.

Rachel Warren editor@rsvpmagazine.com

Editor’s Corrections: Make-A-Wish® Mid-South should have included the registered trademark symbol in our Onsite coverage of the organization’s Make-A-Wish® Silent Auction and Wine Tasting Benefit in the February 2014 issue. In the article, it should have also been noted that the Memphis Consumer Credit Association partnered with Regions Financial Corporation to present this event.

Shelby County Criminal Court Judge

Best Memphis Hangout: Memphis Zoo. Favorite Song: “At Last” by Etta James. Favorite Southern Idiom: “Y’all come back!” Best Dish You Cook: My sweet potato casserole. Who Would Play You in a Movie: Angela Bassett. Coolest Thing About Memphis: Civil Rights Museum. Best Advice You Ever Got: “LIVE EACH DAY AS IF IT WERE YOUR LAST.” Your Lucky Charm: Children are my charms because they are our future. Hometown: Memphis, Tennessee but I was born in Nashville, Tennessee. Your Most Annoying Habit: Racing high performance sports cars with men. Your Best Quality: My determination to never quit even when everyone else does. First Car You Drove: My dad’s 1968 Electra 225 Buick Limited (Deuce and a Quarter). Biggest Pet Peeve: Limited time on the shooting range because I am extremely competitive. Place You Go to Think: 5-10 miles walking and running on Shelby Farms trails or on the Riverfront. Who Inspires You: My parents were my “biggest cheerleaders.” They both died within a year of each other in 2011. The Highlight of Your Day: Loving and being with my family members, friends and my especially wonderful soul mate. Best Gift You Ever Received: LIFE. All my doctors including two OB-GYN specialists from New York predicted I would never survive childbirth. Proudest Moment of Your Life: Becoming the first African American female Criminal Court Judge of record in the state of Tennessee, following the honorable Benjamin L. Hooks who was this first African American Judge of record in the state of Tennessee. One Goal You’d Still Like to Accomplish: To travel to underprivileged countries to inspire and educate single women and mothers to become independent role models who can be strong advocates for their children, who desperately desire to be educated, entrepreneurial and successful in this world.

Photo by Steve Roberts

SIGNATURE MEMPHIS M A R C H 2 0 14 RSVP

The Honorable Carolyn Wade Blackett

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EVENT

Cirque du CMOM

CIRQUE DU CMOM

“Memphis Strong”

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Al and Gaye Fowler

Andrea and Chris Blaylock

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obody throws a party quiet like the Children’s Museum of Memphis and this year’s was no exception. Celebrating the diverse and growing entrepreneurial spirit of the city of Memphis, CMOM’s theme for this year’s fund-raiser was “Memphis Strong.” Held onsite at the CMOM Katherine and John Dobbs Family Center, this event also rejoiced in the culinary fascination of Memphis by offering a plethora of food and drink from a large variety of local eateries. As guests arrived, they were met with more than 30 restaurants offering scrumptious morsels and treats fit for any palate or preference under the sun. Swankys Taco Shop offered up veggie enchiladas with a generous portion of queso dip and Itta Bena Restaurant cured everyone’s winter blues with cups of fresh tomato basil soup paired with grilled cheese. Charles Vergo’s Rendezvous gave out small baskets of their classic sausage and cheese plate. Frost Bake Shop had a sweet selection of red velvet and carrot cake cupcakes and Noting But Bundt Cakes had everyone coming back for seconds with their perfect mini Bundt cakes in flavors like white chocolate raspberry. Once attendees had filled their stomachs, they turned to the many drink options available. Those who enjoyed a sip of white lighting tried out the Apple Pie moonshine perfectly chilled with an ice luge by Ole Smokey Tennessee Moonshine. Silky O’Sullivan’s brought the party with their Hurricane drink. Cosmic Coconut was also a favorite among partygoers with their carrot juice and vodka shots. Open bars also dotted the lobby, offering any drink concoction that the booths did not satisfy. CMOM took the pressure off bidding in-house the night of the party by offering an online auction that was open weeks before the fund-raiser and a couple days after. The auction offered everything from gift certificates to jewelry from spa packages to clothing. Hot items included a two-day hunt for four from Tallahatchie Hunts, artwork by Danny Broadway, a four night stay at The Inn at Crystal Beach and an Ultimate Indulgence Gift Basket from Celeste LaChapelle of the Clinic of Plastic Surgery. The night gave away to dancing from a selection of stellar musical acts like American Idol star Alexis Grace. The Queen of Beale Street herself, Ruby Wilson, performed to an excited crowd and international and local legend, Al Capone, brought the house down. The BB King’s Club’s House Band continued the Memphis music theme by playing several bluesy sets. The Grizz Girls were also present throughout the night, keeping spirits high and welcoming everyone to the Grizz Nation. Unlike many other museums and nonprofits, CMOM receives no funding from the local government and this event is their largest fund-raiser of the year. See all the party photos at rsvpmagazine.com Password: RSVP

Nanette Farris, Bob Loeb and Patt Ker Tigrett

Story by Rachel Warren Photos by Baxter Buck

Alaina and Ward Tyler

Shanleigh and Patrick Walton

Vicki and Ron Olson

Penny and Joe Hyrka

Lauren Yoakum, Kate Stakem, Helen Drinkard and Cara Grinder

Laura Scott and Heather Grosvenor

EVENT CIRQUE DU CMOM

Denise and Steve Hearn

Judge Kathleen Gomes and Katina Gaines

Leslie and Brad Hines

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Joseph and Julie Callicutt

Frank and Tina Newman

Ricki and Josh Luxton

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Anne and Thayne Miller

Marilyn Kain and Paul Coombs

Randolph Sanchez and Maria Carter

Tony Brown and Kembree Darakshani

Krystal and Lynn Shaw

Hunter and Jenny Sharpe

Caroline Giovannetti and Doug Earthman

EVENT Martha and Mike Hess

Lesley and Frank Colvett

Rip and Nicki Haney

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CIRQUE DU CMOM Yvonne Baker and Nicole Cooper

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Jon and Rachel Dickens

Lynn and Dr. Jorge Calzada

Graham Sexton and Kyle Martin

Angie Deupree and Misty Stamper

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Magda Mazur, Kait Lawson and Diana Fazio

Ashley Cubbins and Kate Lawson

Ron and Jan Coleman with John Chiapella

Meredith and Kimberly Allen

Jade and John Planchon

Ginny and Will Bozeman

Stuart and Mary Maxwell

Chad and Hattie Rounder

Alison and Josa Heigel

Amanda Morris and Erik Henneghan

Katelynn Marcy and Angela Allen

Laurie Rich and Tom Weis

Melinda and James Liles

Robbie Yerger and Ramona Blum

Regena Bearden and Ernie Ward

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THE AMBASSADOR SERIES

The Ambassador Series By Eugene Pidgeon

30A FARMERS MARKET

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per cent commission and we just couldn’t make any money. So, I retired from the travel business in 2000. My husband finished his last homebuilding job in June 2012. That’s when we packed up and moved here. We haven’t looked back.” The name Kolopanas may lend itself, initially to a Polynesian-esque gravitas however it is deeply rooted and from an authentic blood and bone Greek origin. “This is my husband’s name and he is

Photo by Jenna Varney

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ust imagine if Billy Joel had been from Mud Island and not Long Island the song may have gone like this: “Some folks like to get away, take a holiday from the same old thing…grab a break from the slab of ribs or the chicken wing. Me, I’m takin’ the wife and kids down to where the white sands meet the brine. I’m in a 30A Farmers Market state of mind.” Rosemary Beach is somewhere over the rainbow and maybe a just little under the horizon. It is a sleepy, reposing seaside community; carved as a beautiful facet of the Emerald Coast on the Florida panhandle. It is a little out of the way yet, curiously, not too far off the beaten path, anchored on Florida Scenic Highway 30A between Inlet Beach and Heaven on Earth. You might miss it if you were looking for it. But you might just stumble upon it if you weren’t. Rosemary Beach is the best of Jimmy Buffet and Arlo Guthrie matched with the wanderlust of Ponce de Leon and Hernando Desoto. It lies in the middle of a paradise of bocce balls and sun blanched conch shells; a paradise, which still may have a little magic and mystery left to explore and discover. Compared to the brick and mortar Americana and the strip mall punctuated thoroughfares linking Pensacola to Jacksonville, the Rosemary Beach Township is an all but miraculously unincorporated parcel of 105 bejeweled waterfront acres wafting in balmy accents enough to link it more closely with the West Indies than to West Florida and to the old world rather than to the new one. There is a proverb, which suggests if you jump…the net will appear. For some, this remains a proverb, one never challenged or put to the test. However, for the former Memphian Diane Kolopanas these are the very words by which she lives. Just two short years ago, Kolopanas with her entire family relocated to Rosemary Beach, Florida. Today, she and her husband have created and are now the copper toned glazed arbiters of the 30A Farmers Market. “My husband Charles and I with our three kids started coming down here from Memphis to enjoy a family vacation. Our vacations just became longer and longer and we discovered how we really enjoyed and wanted to live the 30A lifestyle. So we pulled up stakes, pulled our kids out of school and came to live in Seagrove Beach near Rosemary Beach. We didn’t come down with the intent of starting a farmers market…it just happened,” says Kolopanas. “It was like a dream.” Prior to migrating south to Florida, Kolopanas was a successful travel agent and her husband Charles was a homebuilder. She exited the business when, as she asserts, “the airlines went to a zero

100% Greek,” she explains. “I am Serbian, French and Belgian.” The right mix, indeed, to balance the local color and the world-class offerings of the 30A Farmers Market. Rosemary Beach was established in 1995. And in 1999, Kolopanas and her husband bought a little piece of property on scenic highway 30A. According to Kolopanas, “Scenic Highway 30A really picks up from Miramar Beach and runs along the Gulf Coast through Seaside, Water Town, Seacrest and Alys Beach until you come to Rosemary. Then it picks up at Highway 98 again.” Scenic Highway 30A is a 19 mile sliver of white sand perfection and undisturbed coastal dune lakes. Kolopanas beams, “Rosemary Beach looks like a cross between the West Indies and the south of France. It is like a really beautiful European community.” Kolopanas estimates there are only about 5,000 people who reside on the scenic 30A corridor year round. “But during the tourist season, which normally lasts from March until Labor Day Weekend and then picks up again in October and around

the holidays, Rosemary Beach pulls from everywhere.” Currently, the 30A Farmers Market is open all year round, rain or shine, on Sundays from 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. “Starting this season, the 30A Farmers Market will now be open with the same hours every Thursday from Memorial Day through Labor Day!” says Kolopanas. Drawing from their experience running the Greek Festival in Memphis, Charles and Diane Kolopanas approached the idea of a farmers market rather directly. “My husband just said to me one day, Diane, you seriously need to get a job.” Taking the advice, Kolopanas considered the cost to benefit ratios of preparing homemade Greek foods and vending them through local farmers markets. There were none to be had. However, a friend suggested there might be a viable farmers market in the making at Rosemary’s Beach. “I called Rosemary Beach and talked with the town management. No we don’t have a farmers market. We don’t even have one in the works. But we would love a farmers market,” chimes Kolopanas. The rest is history in the making. The 30A Farmers Market, and by Kolopanas’ own admission, started out with a bang. “We went up with 35 to 40 vendors already in place. It is truly an international marketplace. We are served by vendors who bring us authentic staples from Pakistan, Turkey, Greece and Israel. We sell everything from hummus, pita, baklava and anything you can imagine with a Mediterranean flavor.” Additionally, there are offerings from India, including curries and homemade samosas. “We serve homemade Italian hand cut pastas and sauces. There are even home baked artisan breads.” For the discriminating palate, most of the items offered at the 30A Farmers Market are authentic and homemade. You would be hard pressed to find a corporate brand lurking among the tasty inventory. “The only items we have that might seem store bought are these exquisite olive oils that are imported and are all natural and flavored with the spices of apple, strawberries and tangerine.” For more information on 30A Farmers Market check out the website 30AFarmersMarket.com and the Facebook page. You can almost hear him now, Billy Joel singing his heart out after a visit to the 30A Farmers Market in Rosemary Beach, Florida. “Don’t go changing, to try and please me...I love you just the way you are.”

To make a suggestion or pitch a story idea to Eugene, feel free to e-mail him at eugenepidgeon@rsvpmagazine.com.

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STREETSEEN

Elizabeth Rouse Cultivating Fans of the Arts

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rtsMemphis’ chief operating officer, Elizabeth Rouse, admittedly can’t begin to sketch a stick figure, much less nail a pirouette, so luckily for her, becoming one of the biggest proponents of the community’s visual and performing arts had nothing to do with creative expression. Smiling, Rouse further reveals that the arts scene actually eluded her altogether when she first came to Memphis in 2006 after college to look for a job doing development and event planning for a nonprofit. However, landing a gig at ArtsMemphis, then as the chief development officer, soon opened her eyes to a much more colorful world, one in which everything from blacksmithing to opera captivated her senses. Now a self-declared major arts fan, Rouse channels her passion into ensuring that ArtsMemphis continues to be the conduit for people of all backgrounds to become positively immersed in arts experiences. She says, “There are dozens and sometimes hundreds of arts events happening a week in Memphis, so you can’t say there’s nothing to do.” While Artsmemphis.org provides a comprehensive listing of those events hosted by various arts groups and institutions, the site offers more than theater dates, exhibition openings and the like, as it also promotes ways Memphians can enrich their lives through art classes and workshops: Why not try a steel bracelet class (March 5) at the National Ornamental Metal Museum or a Mini Masters parent-child workshop (through March 25) at the Dixon Gallery and Gardens? In addition, one can find unique cultural fund-raisers such as the ArtsMemphis Culinary Series, which will be brought back again this year to highlight local culinary masters alongside traditional artists, who have included woodworkers and glassblowers in the past. An overall support organization for the local arts landscape, ArtsMemphis does remain devoted to grant-making, and rightfully so being that the nonprofit started as a community fund in 1963. To put real numbers out there, ArtsMemphis has allocated more than $40 million to 60plus arts-related organizations for operating support and/or projects in the last 10 years. And to give tangible examples of ways those dollars are used, Rouse points out that Playhouse on the Square was given a grant for its actual building, that Opera Memphis received seed funding for its first 30 Days of Opera campaign to provide free opera in diverse public places and that Africa in April will have a special performance this year by musician Bobby Rush thanks to ArtsMemphis’ backing. “For the first time in ArtsMemphis history last year, we also made grants to five individual visual artists through the ArtsAccelerator incentive grants,” she proudly adds. In the last few years, ArtsMemphis has additionally been looking at how the arts can be another spoke in the wheel for neighborhood development, and thereby launched the Community Arts Engagement Program with the support of The Assisi Foundation of Memphis. Through strategic grant-making activities, the program will provide better access to arts programming in places where people have limited or no access to them, and it will first be concentrated in Soulsville/South Memphis and Orange Mound. Fittingly enough, Rouse’s most moving arts happening came about as a result of outreach into an underserved community. “Students in Binghampton worked with Theatre Memphis two days a week after school [at Caritas Village], so on a cold night, I went to see them perform and happened to sit next to a little girl who walked there to see her sister perform. She said she loved it when Theatre Memphis came…I was just expecting a performance, but saw people connecting there,” Rouse relays. Now go out and find which art form resonates with your personality and become a fan. Story by Leah Fitzpatrick Photo by Steve Roberts

STREETSEEN

Nikki Schroeder Turning Up the Heat

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ikki Schroeder seems to have been born with an entrepreneurial spirit that is so often talked about but is so little genuinely seen. As founder, CFO, art director and president alongside business partner Theresa Andreuccetti (founder, CEO, editor and treasurer) of Graffiti Graphics, Jabberblabber Magazine and Deerwood Forest, LLC, Schroeder has been a staple of the Memphis business community since 1987. With her start as an airbrush studio owner with Andreuccetti, Schroeder was never one to shy away from taking a risk. With that same bold determination, Schroeder jumped head first into her newest business adventure, the business of food starting with Nikki’s Hot Ass Seasoning and quickly expanding to Nikki’s Hot Ass Chips. Packaged in a fire engine red bag with Schroeder’s face plastered across the front of it, making a comical open-mouth expression of extreme heat, her bags of chips literally scream at you to buy them. Of course, it all started with the seasoning, the bottles of which also contain the same picture of Schroeder in a mock scream of burning heat. Schroeder says, “I have never seen somebody look at the bag and not smile. Ever. You can’t say that about any other potato chip bag.” As an avid home cook (although she’s quick to clarify that this has only been the truth in her adult life), Schroeder says that her seasoning and chips were an organic outgrowth of her love of cooking, her passion for healthy eating and the dedicated following of a fan base with a taste for heat, a lot of heat. “I developed a mixture of seasoning that I put on everything when I cooked. The mixture changed often, and I had variations of particular seasons. I used it on roasted chicken, eggs and everything. It was literally used as a season-all kind of deal,” said Schroeder, recalling how the seasoning came about. Her seasoning was a hit, especially at parties when she combined it with every Memphians’ favorite party food - wings. Friends were regularly asking for bags of her seasoning for their own party dishes, requesting some of Nikki’s “hot ass seasoning,” a name that stuck. After several years of giving away seasoning, Schroeder’s keen eye for design and business began to see the seasoning as a chance to break into the food market. The seasoning was bottled and, eventually, Schroeder created Nikki’s Hot Ass Chips, all natural Kosher kettle chips, spiced with her Hot Ass Seasoning. Reflecting on her jump into the food world, Schroeder explains that it was not without its risks and was a completely different experience from her graphic design business saying, “Food is a totally different animal. It requires different insurance, different everything. I did it as a sole proprietorship so it’s a solo deal. Everything before that was a team effort.” The food industry, notes Schroeder, was unknown terrain. As a business owner since her early 20s, Schroeder is no stranger to a challenge. Her first airbrushing business with Andreceutti was started with little knowledge, on her part, on how to airbrush, yet she made it work, practicing airbrushing until she mastered it. Her philosophy, she says, as a “hungry entrepreneur” has always been about making “yes” work. “It’s easy to say no and it’s harder to say yes and make that yes work, but it’s what makes you stand apart from other people,” comments Schroeder. Given Schroeder’s innovative legacy of business, these words of wisdom are not to be ig- nored, and there is no doubt that Schroeder’s chips are any exception. If you can handle the heat, pick up a bag or two or three (they are really that good) at Miss Cordelia’s or Bogie’s Delicatessen or check out the website at www.nikkishotassseasoning.com for a complete retail listing. Story by Rachel Warren Photo by Steve Roberts

VOX POPULAR

Vox Popular Q&A with Lisa Moore

s CEO and president of Girls Incorporated of Memphis, Lisa Moore and her stellar staff work hard to provide the tools for young girls and women to be “strong, smart and bold.” Begun in 1946 as Girls Club of Memphis, Girls Inc. has provided a safe and encouraging environment for girls to become leaders and chart out their independent courses through life. Most importantly, Moore and her staff help girls find the voice inside themselves to speak up and out that our society all too often silences. RSVP editor, Rachel Warren, met up with Moore at the Girls Incorporated office to discuss how the organization empowers the girls of the Memphis community.

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Moore: The beauty of gender is that there are differences. Girls inherently face a reality in this world that boys don’t, such as 70 cents on the dollar in economic inequity, a high rate of violence against girls and women, over sexualization in the media and not being encouraged in the high paying career areas. The flip-side of that coin is that we like being female and girls like being able to talk about topics like health and sexuality that are unique to the female gender. It is empowering for the girls to be able to talk about what it means to be leader from a female perspective. It is also empowering for the girls to be able to discuss how to chart their course as a leader of their family and what that might look like. It’s great to have a safe environment to explore that with your own kind.

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RSVP: What are some of the programs Girls Inc. offers? Moore: Well the programs are age appropriate. They are for girls from ages 6-18. The programs equips girls for economic and life success. We have six content categories: Health and Sexuality, Leadership and Community Action, Career and Life Planning, Sports and Adventure, Culture and Heritage and SelfReliance and Life Skills. So it’s really giving girls a wide array of programs. We do that in three main ways: we have our center based programs where girls come afterschool and in the summer that are in four different neighborhoods, we have our in school curriculum that we do during the day along side the teachers and we have our community wide programs for a girl that may not be in a school that we are partnered with or may not be near one of the neighborhoods [where one of our centers are located]. Our two community programs are Eureka! and Girls University where the girls come either after school or on a Saturday at least once a month. In all, Girls Inc. offers center based, in school and community wide programming that is relevant and universal to all girls in the community. RSVP: In each of these programs, what are you doing with the girls specifically? Moore: For example, last weekend, our Eureka! girls, and these were 8th grade girls, did a science and math program on Pi. They explored what that means. They ran some numbers, did some experiments and created their own hula-hoops. They figured out which hula-hoops worked best based on the tubing and that kind of thing. So it’s very experiential, it’s hands on learning and it’s hands on exploration. We create the environment for the girls to create their own learning and equip themselves with the self-confidence and skills to be strong, smart and bold. At our Lucille DeVore Center downtown, we have our bike shop. So the girls are learning bike repair and maintenance, and we will open up the bike shop in the spring. So they will actually be running a bike repair shop, and the girls will have a tent on the Greenline this spring where they will be offering bike repairs. We have an entrepreneurship program. We have a team of girls that have trained in one of our national entrepreneurship programs and they facilitate activities and sessions for

girls. The program is called Girls in Charge. And it’s a peer-to-peer learning shaped around discovering what the girls really enjoy, how their ideas might become a business and then how they might make it a business. Again, the programs are really just a tool for us to equip our girls for those long-term outcomes of really making quality decisions and healthy decisions about life and achieving academically. Photos by Don Perry

RSVP: Why is there a need for a program like Girls Inc. that is just for girls?

RSVP: Why does Girls Inc. use the slogan “strong, smart and bold?” Moore: It captures what we are talking about as far as why we are here. If girls can be strong and speak up and speak out, they’ll be successful. If they are smart and if they are taking their education seriously, these things will equip them for whatever they chose to do in their life. If they are bold, they will be able to find that voice and use it to effect change in the community, which is what we need for all of us. This slogan just captures everything we do and it speaks to the self-confident life that we help the girl achieve. RSVP: What kind of rights does Girls Inc. help girls to enact in their lives? Moore: They are fundamental issues. First being, girls have the right to be themselves and resist gender stereotyping. Girls have the right to express themselves with originality and enthusiasm. Girls have the right to take risks, to strive freely and to take pride in success. Girls have the right to accept and appreciate their bodies. Girls have the right to have confidence in themselves and be safe in the world. Girls have the right to prepare for interesting work and have economic independence. RSVP: How do you incorporate those rights into the Girls Inc. programs? Moore: We have our Media Literacy® program where we are looking at how girls are portrayed in media. The program discusses with the girls the gender stereotypes that are present in the media. The program fuels these fun, engaging conversations centered on questions like do we even acknowledge the stereotypes that are thrust upon us? For the right of interesting work and independence, we do a lot of career and life planning. We do a lot of exposure on women in the work force and we have power dinners where groups of women come and sign-up to host a dinner. That way the girls are learning about business dinner etiquette and about these women’s career journey. The girls are also networking, which is another great skill. We have a program called Project BOLD where girls learn self-protection because violence against girls and women is real. Again, it’s refusal skills, self-protection and self-awareness of your surroundings. The Will Power/Won’t Power program is big on that and it teaches the girls some techniques if they find themselves in a troublesome situation. This is so important because the statistics are staggering when you talk about violence against girls, and for women it’s even more staggering. There is certainly the side of helping girls become more self-aware and helping a girl protect herself. I also wish more people would do more to teach boys about what it means to be respectful.

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RSVP: What are some of the challenges girls face in Memphis? Moore: I don’t think Memphis is any different from any other community quiet honestly. Memphis does have a high rate of domestic abuse in the community, which is a problem. That is one issue, but the reality is that across the nation girls are under represented in math, science and technology, course work and careers. Our graduation rates in some of these fields that give women the financially successful careers is low. It raises the question of do girls not like math and science because they haven’t been encouraged or do they not like math and science because they just don’t like math and science? There is a kind of pervasive gender stereotyping that is still occurring. Go to the store and look at the toy aisle. What are the toys that are available? What are the activities that are available? How are they marketed to girls? This is not just Memphis; this is a national issue. How are we empowering girls or not? And again, boys and girls are not shown by the community of Memphis that they are valued. All of the social aspects that have been offered to them have been taken away. We don’t have an amusement park. We don’t have a water park. There are very few skating rinks. They have very limited access to engaging, interesting opportunities to be a part of the community. That goes for girls and boys. So we are equipping the girls on their part, to kind of step up and find some interesting things to do because, either way, they will find something to do, and we hope to channel that in a good way. RSVP: What is the history behind Girls Inc. in Memphis? Moore: In 1946 Lucille DeVore Tucker travelled to Pennsylvania and saw a Girls Club, and thought it was wonderful. She came back to Memphis and started one. In the early 50s we joined the national organization. In Memphis we have been servings girls since 1946. In 1990, there was a national court battle between Girls Club of America and Boys and Girls Club of America after Boys Club changed their name to Boys and Girls Club of America. The Girl’s Club of America objected to that because we were already named that, but after a long legal wrangling we settled and changed our name to Girls Incorporated, which really does better represent what we are as an organization. We are not a club to hang out. We are about the business of girlhood, and so Girls Incorporated was really a stronger, bolder statement about who we are and what we stand for. The name change was also appropriate and corresponded with the changes happening to the way we viewed our programming for girls. We developed a program-planning guide that lays out the unique gift and talents and issues that face girls along with data about age appropriate planning for different age groups. This is also the time when we really had solidified those six content categories. RSVP: How did you get involved with Girls Inc.? Moore: When I graduated in college in 1987, I was living in what was then called Greenlaw, which is now Uptown Memphis, and I saw a lot of kids around the neighborhood and I thought, “I really want to do something in the neighborhood.” I had my education degree. I was encouraged by my then sister-in-law and neighbor to check with the Girls Club about doing an aerobics class for adults. I wondered into the Girls Club and saw the programming going on. I had never taught an adult aerobics class there but started volunteering one day a week and then it was two days a week. Eventually, it became a full-time job. I was an executive director in Massachusetts, and then I was a regional director with the national organization out of Indianapolis. I realized I wanted to move back to Memphis. I left Girls Inc. and was with BRIDGES for ten years. Later I was with FedEx and had my own consulting program. Then this position, CEO and president of Girls Inc., presented itself at the absolutely right time. Girls Inc. has always been apart of me. RSVP: It seems that many of the female staff members at Girls

Moore: It’s a really powerful thing because they know the impact that Girls Inc. had on their lives and they want to give back. Those that do go into careers of education or social work, they want to come back and make the difference in this way. We have alumni doing amazing things all over the place especially with our long history as an organization. We have administrators in the school district. We have doctors and lawyers. We are just everywhere. It speaks to the power of the program when someone wants to come back and give back.

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Inc. were part of the Girls Inc. programming as young girls. Why do you think they have returned to work for Girls Inc.?

RSVP: How can people get involved with volunteering with Girls Inc.? Moore: Give us a call. We have an extensive mentoring program. So if you are interested in mentoring we can partner you with a girl from one of our four centers. That’s ongoing. We have a Young Women’s Professional Group that young women under 39 can participate in. It’s going to be a really wonderful networking opportunity for young women and supporting Girls Inc. at the same time. If someone reads this, and they have participated in Girls Inc. along the way, we would love to know about you.

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Moore: There is a perception that the program is only for a certain demographic of girls. When the reality is that our programs are available and accessible for all girls. We want every girl to have the opportunity to participate. If you don’t live near a center, there are other opportunities to engage in as well. Again, Girls Inc. is inspiring all girls to be strong, smart and bold and our programs are universal and relevant to every zip code. We hope that all girls will come participate, because when you have a diversity of experience and a diversity of thought, girls learn more. We have historically been more of a single demographic, but the girls are yearning and wanting more diversity in their program experience. So we are listening, and we want to engage all girls in the experience as well as welcome all girls in the experience.

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RSVP: What is something that readers might not know about Girls Inc.?

EVENT

Science of Beer

SCIENCE OF BEER

A Toast to Science

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Nicole and Dalton Saunders

Mark and Ann Grace

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n the name of science, over 600 Memphians headed over the Pink Palace Family of Museums to indulge in some frothy libations at the first annual Science of Beer event. Benefiting the Pink Palace Education Department, this sold out event presented over 50 different varieties of beer to sample and taste offered from the taps of several national and local brewers. Good cheer was abundant as the 21-year and older crowd descended on museum with tasting glasses in hand. Ronda Cloud, Pink Palace marketing and public relations manager, said the idea for the new event was conceived from the Pink Palace team “thinking outside of the box and wanting to do something fun and educational.” Truly an event made for the beer enthusiast, the Pink Palace offered several select mini-lectures that were sprinkled through out the night’s activities to answer attendees’ specific questions concerning beer topics such as yeast, hops and malts. Local professional brewers such as Jimmy Randall of Ghost River Brewery, Drew Barton of Memphis Made Brewery, Davin Bartosch of Wiseacre Brewery and Mike Lee of High Cotton Brewing took audience questions. Burning home brewing questions were answered at a Q&A by Richard Heath and Stephen Russell of Bluff City Brewers & Connoisseurs and Clark Ortkiese and Derek Colby of Memphis Brewers Association. Later that night Joe Barnes of University of Tennessee Health Science Center spoke about the aromatics of beer and Dr. Rebecca Klatzkin of the Rhodes College Psychology Department busted some alcohol myths. When not at a lecture, guests took a stroll through the Pink Palace and tried out the plethora of select beverages. Bosco’s Squared served up an interesting twist on the typical beer in glass combination – an Irish stout gelato with a bite of brownie paired with a choice of the Oyster Stout or the Sorghum Ale. Ghost River poured samples of their River Bank Ale and Golden Ale. Straight out of Mississippi, Southern Prohibition Brewery gave everyone a taste of their own Fire Ant Red Ale, which was prepared and contained in three different ways: one in a keg, one in a cask and one in a cask with additives. Bluff City Brewers & Connoisseurs tickled everyone’s taste buds with an Austrian Lager called Rock Me Amadeus. Memphis Brewer’s Association gave out a taste of their pale ales such as the Belma Pale Ale and the Chinook Pale Ale. Courtesy of a group of Rhodes College physics students, guests took a moment to learn the science behind many college students’ favorite past time: beer pong. Alec Lindman and his physics partners enlightened guest’s about the fine-tuning of angles and speed to improve their game. Echoing the sentiment of the evening, Lindman said, “We are just trying to make science fun!”

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Ricky and Rachel Goldberg

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Becca and Jeff Schneider

David and Candy Staggs

Rob and Jackie Hall

Cayce and Kelsey Nawaf

Owen and Libby Harris with Michael and Tina Niclosi

Josh Douglas and Allison Day

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Garrett Burton, Kleber Pauta, Charles Kelly and Adam Buczyna

Becky Maddux, Ginger Taylor and Becky Lloyd

Mark and Patty Guttersohn

Sam and Chris Miller

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Michael Bondurant and Leslie Berryhill

Jeff and Alesha Deane with Shannon and Mike Van Fleet

Ashley Linsey and Christy Hipsh

Shannon Hoffman and Beverly Pfluger

Drew Hill with Sharon and Bruce Hill

EVENT SCIENCE OF BEER Megan Welton, Mary Emily Christiansen and Lindsay Meyers

Nat Bellefeuille and Marielle Fortier

Mike and Jennifer Gerstner

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Elyse Gutowski, Katherine Solomon and Elyse Higley

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Shawn Mitchell, Amanda Grobmeyer and Michael Abney

Jacob and Jessica Brown

Shannon and Jay Wilson

Jeff and Barbara Etheridge with Lucie and Brian Thompson

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Candace and Kyle Thweatt

Gary Shirley and Angela Wallace

Susan and Jim Joyner

Angela Odom and Terri Rapacki-Privette

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Joseph Roberts and Natalie Blackwell

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New Ballet Ensemble & School Donor Reception River Oaks Garden Club Holiday Luncheon King’s Daughters and Sons Home Benefit

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New Ballet Ensemble & School held a Donor Reception after its 10th annual holiday performance of the “Nut ReMix” at the Germantown Performing Arts Center. Committed to reaching out to students with diverse backgrounds by providing excellence in dance training regardless of the ability to pay, New Ballet always puts on an out-of-this world show, and they did not disappoint this time around. In an interesting mix of the traditional and modern, New Ballet took the infamous “Nutcracker” ballet and reconstructed it, dropping it into the 21st century. “Nut ReMix” blended together an assorted mix of dance that included Ballet, Hip-Hop, Flamenco, Chinese, and African and was set on Memphis’ very own Beale Street. Post performance, guests enjoyed light hors d’oeuvres and drinks at the Donor Reception as the performers and Katie Smythe, CEO and artistic director of New Ballet Ensemble & School, mingled with the crowd. Anne Thompson and Steven Sondhein, who were also enjoying themselves at the reception, agreed that this performance may have been even better than the traditional “Nutcracker” because, “She [Katie Smythe] showed a large piece of each country throughout the ballet.”

The ladies of the River Oaks Garden Club gathered for their annual Holiday Luncheon at the Hunt and Polo Club. Bearing gifts, each member had with them a toy to be donated to the Angel Tree at the Salvation Army Memphis Area Command. The women enjoyed the sweet voices of vocalists Lindsey Hughes and Elaine Clowers as Molly Johnson accompanied them on piano. Of course, the women of this garden club stunned with their table centerpieces - refreshingly colorful tulips within small glass vases. Each table was decorated in festive red and white and included a small package at each table setting that contained a gingerbread man made out of bird feed, something every garden lover needs. Lunch included a delightful entrée of Shady Grove chicken followed by the Hunt and Polo Club’s special peppermint chocolate ice cream.

The King’s Daughters and Sons Home held a fund-raiser thanks to the generous support of Theatre Memphis who allowed the KDS Home to take over the building for a night for the King’s Daughters and Sons Benefit during the theatre’s final dress rehearsal for “A Christmas Carol” which starred Barry Fuller as the character of Scrooge. The ladies of the KDS Home hosted a wine and dessert reception after the show. Proceeds from the performance helped support the 108 beds at the KDS nursing home in Bartlett. This event raised almost $7,000 in funds for the KDS Home. Story Submitted Photos by Beverly Holmgren

Wings of Ave Maria Trivia Night The Wings of Ave Maria presented its annual Trivia Night with a patriotic twist. Held at Christian Brothers High School in Heffernan Hall two days before Veterans Day, this delightful event was appropriately given the theme of “Patriotism.” Trivia teams were encouraged to decorate their tables with American motifs for a special prize. Many tables went all out with American flags, shiny tops hats, festive snacks and all kinds of assorted red, white and blue accessories. One table even featured a large cardboard cutout of the Statue of Liberty. Brother Ignatius Brown from Christian Brothers University tested everybody’s knowledge of American history and government, leaving many feeling like they should have paid more attention in history class. Door prizes where also awarded at varying intervals to boost morale. This event raised $4,000 that will help fund programs and activities for the Ave Maria Home residents. Story and Photos by Rachel Warren

Story and Photos by Rachel Warren

Jean Tugwell and Louise Yopp

Ashley Dahler and Jami Gattuso

Mary Anne Machin, Jayne Whittington and Hilda Mullen Leila Martin and Rachael McMullian

Hazel Canon and Reverend Bindy Snyder

Anne Thompson and Steven Sondhein

Katie Smythe and Julian Bolton

Jack Treas, Mary Chandler and Frank Gattuso

Beth Ploch and Carol Blumeye

Betty Green, Susan Plough and Debbie Binswanger

Eddie Robinson and Lois Robinson

Christi Flemming, Patricia Freire and Patty Scully

Over 170 Mid-Southerners gathered at the Assisi Adult Day Center as Ave Maria hosted its fifth Wine Tasting & Art Show in an effort to raise funds for the home’s various programs and services. Bill Lucchesi of Delta Wholesale Liquors offered several wines to taste and 28 regional artists donated pieces of original work for the evening. Many of the artists made an appearance during the festivities, and many of the guests walked out with arms full of art. “It’s just a nice little fund-raiser to have in January. It’s gotten bigger every year,” said Lisa Bell, Ave Maria’s director of advancement. Ave Maria Home is located at 2805 Charles Bryan Road and offers adult day care, assisted living and a nursing facility to individuals. Story and Photos by Lesley Young

Story and Photos by Lesley Young

Since its inception three years ago, the Calvary Artists Market has been wildly popular among parishioners at Calvary Episcopal Church downtown, but the organizers wanted to attract shoppers outside the congregation. So this year, the event kicked off with a Preview Party the night before. Parish chef Mary O’Brien prepared an amazing spread of appetizers, ranging from baconparmesan-stuffed mushrooms to tasty pork loin sliders. Shoppers nibbled on the hors d’oeuvres as they browsed wares from vendors set up in the church’s Great Hall and listened as the alternative pop band Sibella played to the crowd. Vendors had plenty of great gifts to offer, including eyecatching jewelry, fine art photographs, paintings and crafts. Renowned potter, Mimi Dann, showed more than a dozen pieces of her thin and almost translucent fine porcelain. Molly Polatty, who helped organize the market, said that all proceeds would be used to support the church’s numerous outreach ministries. She noted that the preview party achieved its goal to attract many non-church members to the market.

Memphis Junior Cotillion Club Presentation and Holiday Ball A Memphis tradition that dates back to the 1920s was continued last December at the historic Peabody Hotel. More than 100 young women from the Hutchison School and St. Mary’s Episcopal School donned white gowns to be presented with their tuxedoed escorts at the Memphis Junior Cotillion Club Presentation and Holiday Ball. The 11th- and 12th-grade ladies greeted parents, friends and others on the mezzanine of the holiday festooned hotel. Once presented, the young women and their companions took the party into the Venetian Ballroom for more festivities. A lovely dinner was enjoyed by all, followed by dancing to the funky sounds of Party Planet and deejay Mark Anderson. This year’s Cotillion benefits the Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Memphis. St. Mary’s student Ellen Cowens served as president and Susannah Stratton, of Hutchison, served as vice president. Story and Photos by Lesley Young

Story and Photos by Jeannie Ashford

Keith and Anne Townsend Debbie Betz and Chuck Martin

Adam Scilken, Brooke Saharovici and Heidi Saharovici

Liz Sullivan, Trey Wilson and Liv Gamble

Stacy Early with Erica and Ben Roberts Katheryn Mitchell, Natalie Dean, Olivia Tennyson and Lynley Matthews

Gayle and Larry Martin Mary O’Brien, Fields Falcone and Lynda Gayle

Josh and Melanie Clark

Skeet Haag, Lisa Bell and Frank Gattuso

Laura Carothers and Tamera Tielens

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What goes together better than books and art? At least that was the Literacy Mid-South’s line of thinking, and according to the turnout of their Art of Reading and Book Sale Preview Party, they were right. “There were so many people lined up you couldn’t get in the door,” Kevin Dean, Literacy Mid-South’s executive director, said. Held at the Germantown Community Theatre, the preview party offered ticket holders 3,500 books for sale at a discounted price as well as hors d’oeuvres and cocktails. This year the annual event added an art component, inviting 20 artists to create works inspired by their favorite books, which were for sale. “Art of Reading is an art event for book lovers and a book event for art lovers,” Dean said. All proceeds benefit the organization, which offers an adult learning program, community-wide reading initiatives and the Smart Memphis Coalition.

Calvary Artists Market Preview Party

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Art of Reading and Book Sale Preview Party Ave Maria Wine Tasting & Art Show

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Rose Chin, Rachel Chin, Chelsea Chin and Ed Chin

STAXTACULAR E V E N T

Staxtacular Soulful Giving

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Story by Rachel Warren Photos by Don Perry

Karen Johnston, Tayshaun Prince and Kirk Johnston

Tony Allen and Scott Bomar

Henry Turley and John Branston

Haskins Glass, Jamaal Franklin and Anne Durkin

Sissy and Doug Carpenter, Mike Conley, Anita and David Wathen

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Dave and Kara Joerger

Nick Calathes and Tiffany Altman

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Tim and Cathy Dalfiume

he Memphis Grizzlies traded in their uniforms for something a little funkier at the 10th annual Staxtacular, the largest fund-raiser of the year for the Stax Music Academy. Held at the historic Stax Museum of American Soul Music, over 600 people crowded into museum to get a chance to socialize with Memphis Grizzlies like Tony Allen, Mike Conley and Jerryd Bayless, the illustrious hosts of the night’s festivities. Unlike your typical fund-raiser, this event asked people to lose themselves in a soul-shaking good time. As guests arrived they took a moment to jump into the future of bidding – mobile bidding. The days of writing your bid down with a pen on paper at the silent auction are all but over. Partygoers took a moment to log into their accounts and kept their smart phones close to themselves throughout the night as they virtually outbid one another at a steady pace for desirable packages like the In-Home Mixology Party for 10 guests, that includes a lesson on traditional and modern cocktails lead by Michael Hughes of Joe’s Wine & Liquors; a lunch time performance by the Stax Music Academy students; two tickets to the “Live at the Garden” series at the Memphis Botanic Garden at the Director’s Table with access to the Encore tent along with four complimentary tickets to the Botanic Garden’s Vine to Wine event; and a private saxophone lesson with the accomplished Kirk Whalum, chief creative officer at the Soulsville Foundation. No party is complete without a good spread of food, and this party had the food formula down with Simply Delicious Catering offering up a large array of different selections from tuna tartar and shoe string French fries to dim sum and sushi. Dessert topped things off with cookies, cupcakes and fried pie fries, which consisted of piecrust sticks stuck into a cup of gooey pie filling. Dancing, of course, was par for the course of the evening. Even those in the crowd who were less than dance-inclined could not resist the dynamic and talented performance that the Stax Music Academy put on. Singing songs such as “Tell Me Something Good” by Rufus and Chaka Khan and “This Is How We Do It” by Montell Jordan, the Stax students got everyone up and dancing, pulling audience members unto the dance floor while regaling everyone with a couple of their own choreographed moves. Joshua Huggins, senior at Stax Music Academy, said that the highlight of the Academy was “being accepted into Stax [Music Academy] and traveling with all the students here. We are family.” The Bo-Keys also heated the party up with their own set. This wonderful event raised more than $130,000 for the Stax Music Academy, which is committed to using music to create leaders and thinkers out of Memphis’ young men and women.

Dorothy and John Collier

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Christopher Lett, Shelby Campbell and Heather Long

Aaron and Melissa Kandel with Alexandra and Jonathan Rudner

Josh Czebotar and Kylie Briley

Tracye Jones and Evelyn Talley

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Kavita and Dr. Sandeep Samant

Troy Gearhart, Joann Towry, Colby Bower and Marissa Croft

Marianne Heldenbrand and Megan Heldenbrand

Reverend Morgan and Angela Parks

Caley and Josh Spotts with Erin Bleier

STAXTACULAR E V E N T Tariq McGruder and Jamie Currin

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Ayler Edmaiston with Art and Kim Edmaiston

Shundra Oliver, Zakiya Nicks, Gloria Haney and Norma Oliver RSVP

Marva Wilson and Julie Wilson

Marquette Jones and Marci Turcios

Lindsey Hiatt, Justin Morris and Cameron Kawell

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Mark and Donna Bettison

Lowell Hinte and Beth Maxwell

Bryan and Courtney Smith

Kristen and Marshall Wright

Bennie Cobb and Betty Odum

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Nancy and Robert Williams

Warren and Priscilla East

Collins Tuohy and Leigh Ann Tuohy

Andy and Betsy Saslawsky

Louise and Elston Turner

Erling and Jaquila Jensen

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Jen and Brian Clarke with Emily and Todd Miller

Ted and Leslie Townsend with Terry and Glynn Weakes

Suzana and Michael Lightman

Daniel Weis and Debby Mirda

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Dave Evans and Toni Boland

Fred and Julie Azar with Mary Ann and Marcus Hodges

Jessica Reeves and Will Perry

Casey and Cory Hawes

Josh Wolf with Henry and Cheri Rudner

EVENT MEMPHI MID-WINTER BALL

he Mystic Society of Memphi held its annual Mid-Winter Ball at the historic Memphis Country Club. As men and women arrived they walked into a sprinkling of mock snow. Inside they were welcomed by a beautiful winter wonderland of white snowflakes, snowkissed tree branches and soft twinkling lights. A big lovable Saint Bernard named Moses also helped out with the greeting. Guests pulled out all the stops for this black-tie event, donning fur-coats, diamonds, tuxedos and ball gowns to celebrate the unveiling of the 2014 royal duchesses. “Heels and Deals” was the theme this year for the duchesses given that these professional women embody both glamour and business in their day-to-day lives. The Mystic Society of Memphi has played a fundamental role in Memphis history since their beginnings as a group in 1872 and their annual ball has been a tradition since the 1930s. Guests mingled in the hallways and sipped drinks as they waited for the anticipated revealing to begin. The county club’s formal dining room was pristinely set, hinting at the lavish six-course meal that would follow the duchesses’ presentation. As the ceremony began, the king and queen of Memphi, both hidden away until their unveiling in the spring, welcomed everyone from a secret location, their voices carrying over the sound system. The duchesses all wore full emerald green ball gowns with sparkling tiaras in their hair and a Mardi Gras mask that hid their features. With a duke by their side, each woman was introduced to the spectators in the ballroom on a winter sled fixed with wheels for easy movement. The announcers introduced the duchesses by speaking of their amazing personal and professional accomplishments that each woman has made throughout her lifetime along with personal hobbies and interests until, finally, each woman flung off her mask, exposing her identity and taking on the royal role of duchess for the 2014 year. Duchesses and dukes this year included Jennie and Walker Robbins, Lisa and Hugh Mallory, Patty and Steven Welch, Shea and Alex Wellford, Pam and Steve Guinn and Jana and Andy Lamanna. Memphi members let out a big “hip hip hooray” for all the new duchesses and their duke escorts. Party band, Radio Incorporated got the celebration going with plenty of classic hits that had attendees up and dancing into the night.

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Memphi Mid-Winter Ball Winter Wonderland

T Cindy and David Gambrell

George and Nayla Nassar

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Hugh and Lisa Mallory

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Martha and Mike Hess

Floy and Jeff Cole

Bridget and Phil Trenary

Kim Pitts, Lida Bross and Joanie Lightman

Jeff and Chantal Johnson with Ginger and Dabney Collier

Kemp and Ann Conrad

EVENT Weetie Whittemore and Dr. Steve Akins

Bobby and Janette Krauch

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Anne and Mike Waddell

MEMPHI MID-WINTER BALL

Amy and Joey Dudek

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Fred and Pam Montesi

Misty and Dr. James Stamper

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Andrew and Ashley Shipman

Emily Capadalis and Tom Love

Dee Millard and Cindy Sisk

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Walker and Jennie Robbins

Shea and Alex Wellford

Steve and Pam Guinn

Jana Lamanna and Madelyn Gray

Steven and Patty Welch

Jim and Vicki McCullough

EVENT Mike and Donna McManus with Denise and Bob Pugh

Cecil and Summer Goodman with Christina and Guy See

Sarah and Dennis Norton

Mary Lee and Dr. Jess Wesberry

MEMPHI MID-WINTER BALL

Rhoda and Curtis Smith

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Melinda and James Liles

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Mike and Judy Gauthier

Joey and Laura Russell

Carl and Trish Ring with Sarah and Bob Black

Holly and Patrick Crump with Metcalf and Madeleine Crump

Nancy and Jim Brooks

Debbie Pearce with Moses

EVENT MEMPHI MID-WINTER BALL

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Ken Hall, Keenon McCloy, Teresa Hurst and Mike Roberts

Sharon and Kelly Truitt

Kirk and Karen Johnston

Bond Moore with Scott and Mary Joy Knowlton

Lesley and Frank Colvett Jr.

Cecilia Walker and Ryan Carter

Michael Lightman, Johnny Pitts and Claude Chafin

Ricky and Catherine Harris

Holly and Paul Craft

Dudley and Martha Carter with Leslie and Jonathan Jerkins

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Bobby and Susan Solberg

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Onsite III Cancer Card Xchange Fund-Raiser

Holiday Chalet

Grand Krewe of Ennead Coronation

Kelli and Walt Geminn opened their historic Collierville home to help the Cancer Card Xchange celebrate the holidays in style. Emily Thomas founded the nonprofit in 2011, and the organization, run from her home office, has sent gift cards to more than 700 people living with cancer around the country. “We depend completely on monetary and gift card donations,” Thomas says. A cancer survivor herself, Thomas began giving gift cards to cancer patients as a way of imparting a bright moment along their journey. Cancer Card Xchange also accepts donations of gift cards that have gone unused. This party garnered $3,000 for Thomas’ effort to keep giving gift cards that create happy memories.

Drs. Lynn and Kevin Foley welcomed a crowd to their Germantown home last December for the Holiday Chalet fund-raiser benefitting the programs and outreach of the Germantown Performing Arts Center. Erling Jensen provided the fare, which included lobster macaroni and cheese and buffalo cutlets. A group from Opera Memphis gathered round the piano and led a Christmas carol sing-along. Approximately $35,000 was raised for GPAC.

The coronation ball of the Grand Krewe of Ennead is one of the markers of the start of the Carnival Memphis social season. Members from all ten of the krewes met at the Holiday Inn University of Memphis to welcome in the new Ennead royalty. Queen Marion Marr and King Bernie Krock assumed their places on their thrones and decreed it a night of fun for all.

Story and Photos by Suzanne Thompson

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Memphis 30th Anniversary Celebration Hardin Hall at the Memphis Botanic Garden was packed with employees, executives and supporters of Habitat for Humanity of Greater Memphis gathered to celebrate the organization’s 30th birthday. Since 1983, the nonprofit has helped 430 families reach the goal of homeownership. “This marks 30 years of building hope,” Shelby County Mayor Mark Luttrell said during his remarks. Story and Photos by Suzanne Thompson

Story and Photos by Suzanne Thompson

Ron South and Deni Hirsh

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52 Jean Oliver, Lydia Sullivan and Judith Johnstone

Emily and Joel Thomas with Kelli and Walt Geminn

Christin McKinnie and Amy Goodman

Joan Weiss and Tommie Pardue with Honey Scheidt

Emily and Rev. Mark Matheny

Bernie Krock and Marion Marr

Herbi Kristle and Meg Kristle

Paul and Jennifer Chandler with Drs. Lynn and Kevin Foley

Jennifer Murphy and Angie Thomas

Brad Waters with Dr. Anca Pop and Lucia Pop

Kathy Sapp and Phyliss Fickling with Amber Roettgen

Jonathan Reckford and Dwayne Spencer

King and Queen Cocktail Party

Suburban Garden Club Christmas Tea and Dinner

Despite freezing temperatures and the threat of snow, the University of Tennessee Health Science Center welcomed trustees, hospital partners, public officials, alumni officers, student leaders, community partners and college advisory board members to the campus for the Chancellor’s Holiday Party in early December. The party was held in the Student-Alumni Center to showcase upgrades that have been made to the building. Red and green floodlights lit the entrance of the building and lights and garland decorated the steps leading to the front door. Valet parking was provided. Cold and hot hors d’oeuvres and dessert were offered to the more than 60 partygoers who braved the inclement weather. The menu, catered by UTHSC Catering by Sodexo, included smoked ham and pear crostini, Asiago stuffed potatoes, wild mushroom tarts, barbecue bacon-wrapped shrimp, beef tenderloin on brioche, a dessert bar and a chocolate fondue bar. Music for dancing was provided by Christopher Ward & Co. The party is an annual chance for UTHSC leaders, faculty and staff to thank those who have supported the efforts of the institution.

Kicking off up the carnival season, Carnival Memphis welcomed its 2014 king and queen with a decadent cocktail party. Drinks were aplenty as members of various carnival krewes across Memphis mingled, celebrating another long awaited carnival season. As the crowd waited in anticipation for the revelation of the 2014 king and queen, everyone enjoyed the light hors d’oeuvres including smoked salmon and finger sandwiches. King Jim McCullough and Queen Suzette Coors appeared on the staircase and were presented to those in attendance. Both king and queen spoke a few words of kindness and thanks with Coors ending in saying, “Carnival is truly a party with a purpose and I am honored to be a part of it.”

“Downton Abbey” was the theme of Suburban Garden Club’s annual Christmas Tea and Dinner, which was held at the beautiful Southwind home of Dannie Lorentz. The creativity of Suburban’s members was reflected by the extensive decorations and floral designs, which were featured throughout the home to create the motif of the popular television series. The tone was set when guests arrived to a festively decorated exterior including a red vintage car and were greeted by President Patty Brigance. Adding to the décor was a mannequin in the lady’s dressing area wearing an antique cape and dress a la Lady Mary Crawley prepared for an elegant evening. A magnificent tea table was admired and enjoyed by guests. Later that evening, members and spouses were treated to a lavish cocktail buffet. The Christmas Tea and Dinner is an annual highlight for Suburban Garden Club, which was founded in the 1930s and is well known for its community involvement.

Story and Photos by Rachel Warren

Story Submitted. Photos by Elyse Grant and Plum Nobles

Story and Photos Submitted Story and Photos by Rachel Warren

Jim McCullough and Suzette Coors Lea Davis

Mark Ratay and Anthony Sheehan

George Cates, Dr. Steve Schwab, Karl Schledwitz and Mike Ritz

Lynsey Freeman and Elise Bone

Michael Ugwueke, Anthony Ferrara, Dr. Ken Brown and Dr. David Stern

Ronald Johnson and Ruth Ann Hale

Estella Greer and Waletha Wasson

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The members of the Association of Fundraising Professionals Memphis Chapter gathered at the Church Health Center Wellness for lunch. Committed to garnering philanthropic support for a wide net of nonprofit and charitable organizations within the Memphis community, the AFP meets regularly to discuss new business. The added bonus to this luncheon was the presence of Anthony Sheehan, the new president of the Church Health Center. As attendees enjoyed sandwiches and desserts made by Holiday Deli & Ham Co., Mr. Sheehan took the floor and gave an inspirational speech about the joy of providing health insurance to the working uninsured. Sheehan delighted the audience with several references to his previous home of Leicester, England as well as moving everyone present by touching on the importance of the programs that the Church Health Center provides within the Memphis community. Additionally, Sheehan talked about the Sears Crosstown Building and the move CHC will take in the near future saying that this move will allow them to “do more for the people we care about.”

Chancellor’s Holiday Party

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Association of Fundraising Professionals Memphis Chapter Luncheon

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Onsite IV

Cindy Mire and Paula Wayatt

Boots Boyd and Bobby Krauch

Chuck and Mary Stewart with Chip and Sarah Truoy

Beverly Neale and Carla Easter

EVENT LES PASSEES CABARET BALL

he Les Passees Cabaret Ball 2014, “Rolling on the River, Making Memories in Memphis,” was held at the Tower Center. The affair began with an elegant note, as a grand piano played by Al Gamble was the first thing guests saw as they stepped off the elevator on the 33rd floor. Next to the piano stood a table filled with chilled blue cocktails, signaling the start of what proved to be a fun-filled night. As guests sipped their drinks, they perused silent auction items, some of which included gift baskets, beauty services and gift certificates from restaurants such as the Half Shell, Jim’s Place Grille, Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse and Taziki’s Mediterranean Café. Inside the main ballroom, the ceiling above the dance floor was covered with balloons in pastel colors, adding to the festive atmosphere. Suzanne Shelton, president of Les Passees, Inc., made welcoming comments before the program began. Television personalities Ron Childers and Joyce Peterson emceed the event, which began with the introduction of the Living Ads. A page preceded each of the Living Ads, beautiful young ladies dressed in white evening gowns. One of Les Passees member’s, Teresa Theiner, had two granddaughters in the program, Taylor Marie Anton, a Living Ad, and Madison Anton, who served as a page. In addition to a page, each girl had an escort, a young man whose mother is a Les Passees member. As each girl was presented, Childers and Peterson read the name of the sponsor of the girl, along with an impressive list of accomplishments. Sponsors of the Living Ads were FedEx, American Snuff Company, Bryce Corporation, Central BBQ, James Middleton Jewelers, Mid-South Pulmonary Specialists, NovaCopy, Skipworth Exceptional Portrait and Travelennium®, Inc. Following the program, guests were treated to a sumptuous dinner of filet of beef, served with potatoes and grilled asparagus. A dessert of flambéed doughnut holes topped with salted caramel ice was available for those with a sweet tooth. Dancers headed to the dance floor when the band Front & Beale took the stage. During a break, guests were encouraged to check their final bids before the closing of the silent auction. One of the members modeled a full-length sheared beaver coat, tempting guests to increase their bids on the luxury offering. After the close of the silent auction, the dance floor filled up again and revelers danced until the last note was played.

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Les Passees Cabaret Ball Benefiting Les Passees, Inc.

T Teresa Theiner and Payton Anton

Colquett and Sara Van Dyke

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Stacey Hyde and Laura Barnett

Story by Suzanne Thompson Photos by Baxter Buck

Carol and Bill Lanier

Richard and Joyce Carter

Donnie and Robbie Owens

Sue and Ralph Berry

Jay and Lori Wehr with Laschelle and Charles Jones

Autumn and Glenn Goerke

EVENT LES PASSEES CABARET BALL

Lynley Churchwell and Marguerite Estes

Danielle Fernandez and Michael Oliphant

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Craig and Karyn Whittington

Jane Deaton and Dr. Paul Deaton

Cindy Anton and Ted Stone

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Bette and Tom Scott

Leslie and Bryan Darr

Julie and Bill England

Bill Raiford and Linda Yoakum

Davis and Belinda Sink

Kacie and Stephen Cooper

EVENT Tim and Rene Booth

Taylor Raines and Lovie Raines

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Carolyn Kergosien and Sonia Bustamante

LES PASSEES CABARET BALL

Amber Neil and Vickie Blevins

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Missy Green, Pam Cain and Missy Ellen

Faye Woods, Jay and Susan St. John with Theresa Kelly

EVENT

Italian Winterfest

ITALIAN WINTERFEST

Warm Support For the Catholic Education Fund and Ave Maria Home

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Amy Newsom and Melinda Bryant

Kay Johnson and Jami Gattuso

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emphians came together at the Racquet Club of Memphis to celebrate the annual Italian Winterfest which benefits both the Catholic Education Scholarship Fund and the Ave Maria Home. Additionally, guests gathered to honor the life of one of Memphis’ finest men, Angelo Lucchesi. As a husband, father, grandfather and friend as well as one of the co-founders of the Italian Winterfest along with Tony Barrasso and Sam Bomarito, Lucchesi touched many lives within the Memphis community. Guests helped themselves to offerings of over 14 different eateries serving up Italian dinner classics including Coletta’s Restaurant’s barbecue pizza, Pesce’s Authentic Italian Sausage’s sausage dip and Valle’s Italian Rebel’s Restaurant, to name only a few. With a full open bar filled with fine wines supplied by Delta Wholesale, Athens’s Distributing Company, Ruffino Wines, John and Wanda Barzizza, A.S. Barboro and Buster’s Wine and Liquors, no one went thirsty and, indeed, many indulged in a toast or three. Winterfest also celebrated its “1st Inaugural Honored Guest of Winterfest,” Brother Joel McGraw, F.S.C., a former Christian Brothers High School assistant principal who has dedicated his life to teaching. Brother Chris Englert celebrated the life work of McGraw and said, “I am proud to call you my mentor, my brother and my colleague.” As he humbly accepted the honor, McGraw replied that it was he who was the wealthy man and that he felt “blessed to have the opportunity to be in your lives.” Frank Gattuso, executive director of Ave Maria Home, also made a special presentation to the Lucchesi family and said that all gathered felt blessed to have Angelo Lucchesi in their lives. Joe Birch from WMC-TV Channel 5 acted as the auctioneer for the night and got the bidding going during the live auction. Attendees bid on luxury items such as the Pete and Sam’s Restaurant package, valued at $1,200 and included 12 dinners at the restaurant over the next 12 months; a six month membership to the Racquet Club of Memphis’ premier tennis and fitness club; a catered dinner for eight by Chef Peter Piazza at the Racquet Club; and a MZ Wallace purse that was filled with $400 plus that went for $1,000. The Gift of Hope package offered the crowd the opportunity to bid up $1,000 dollars that would be bestowed to the Catholic Education Scholarship Fund and the residents of Ave Maria Home. D.J. Michael Spano ended the night by getting everyone dancing by playing classic hits.

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John McLoskey with Wendy and Philip Smith

Story by Rachel Warren Photos by Baxter Buck

Barbara Spinosa and Cheryl Eatherly

Paul and Patty Edwards

Judy and John Deming

Becky Lewis and Jimmy Black

Lee and George Gattas with Adrien Barns and Dr. Mary McDonald

Art and Susie Quinn

EVENT ITALIAN WINTERFEST M A R C H 2 0 14

Francesca Grisanti and Alexis Grisanti

Reverend Patrick Hirtz with Janet and Artie Byrd

Marjorie and Thomas Miller

Susan Ourfaliak and Emily Carps

Nanetta and Bill Hecht

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Tricia and Arthur Franklin

Angie and Charles Feraci

Maurice and Libbey Buring

Angela Capocaccia and Kellie Cortese

Karen Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Malley and Engin Tuncay

Dena Soefker and Chris Chiozza

EVENT Vincent and Geri Cuoghi

Joe and Anita Hillenbrand

Jim and Esther Leduc

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ITALIAN WINTERFEST Angie and Zack Street with Rene Railford

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Michael and Erika Bomarito with Taylor Agee

Cynthia Talley and Steve White

Jessica Dress and Seth Macdonald

EVENT ITALIAN WINTERFEST M A R C H 2 0 14

James Gattas and Kay Woodard with Terry and Phil Woodard

Charlotte and Bill Mitchell with Jeff and Belinda Roth

David Bounds and Teresa Bounds

Lynne Crawford and Philip Spinosa

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Debbie and Mike Albin

Joe Montesi, Tricia Ross and Sean Montesi

Johnna Popper and Mary Padron

Pam and David Albin

Ralph Gagliano and Lora Jobe with Barbara and Mike Daush

51 Arm joint

54 Imitation chocolate

57 American Cancer Society (abbr.) 59 Several feet 62 Dormer

64 Inquisitive

66 Couches 68 Tidy

8 Sap (2 wds.)

9 Literary composition 10 Hoopla

11 Canine disease

12 Painter of melting clocks 13 Pig food

21 Before, poetically 23 Domestic fish 26 Boredom

28 By way of 30 Duo

31 Muslimʼs God

33 Fencing sword 34 Depend (on)

57 Afresh

58 Coca ___ 60 Valley 61 Tier

63 Sicilian volcano 65 Affirmation

67 Compass point

i t ’ s j a zz! 70 Dots in the sea

71 Church song

cl a ssy

35 The alphabet 36 Wise one 37 Vainly

For underwriting information, call 901-678-2560 Visit us online at wumr wumr.memphis.edu .memphis.edu

Solution:

49 ___ Matisse, painter

69 Womenʼs fashion magazine

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7 Fun

56 Accuse

D A L I

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55 Heeds

A D O

48 Mopes

53 Seize

R O M P

47 Quarry

52 Fertile desert area

H O E S

46 Precedes an alias

41 An acute, infectious disease

44 Doctrines

38 Leather workerʼs tool

43 Wiggly swimmer

6 Garden tools

35 Malaria

40 Large van

5 Artful

50 Tabloid

B A S A L

4 Push out

2 Toothbrush brand 3 Essential

32 Kitchen gadget

39 Milk shake

1 50%

O R A L B

letter

H A L F

29 Triangle-shaped Greek

40 44

V I A

27 Pet __ (annoyance)

47 Caribe

R E L Y

25 Brief announcement

45 10 liters (abbr. for dekaliter)

E P E E

24 The high point

DOWN

42 Stretch to make do

D I S T E M P E R

22 Gush

26 29

41 Comedian Bill

T A W L O L A H

74 Afloat

39 Former french money

G U R U

20 Blaze up

73 Open grassy area

A B C S

Edited by Ruth Cassin

E T N A

72 Manners

B L A M E

O B E Y S

P I R A N H A

U G S E E N U R T P E E T F R E R A K A E N R C A S G T S E S P E

19 Capital of Norway

18 Nation on the Red Sea

D A L E

17 Final

W R E S T

16 Selector

14 Many a Mid Easterner 15 Baggy

O S B L T Y R E U R B D E L E A C H D O S K S L B O Y A S I S

10 Totals

Y E S

5 Express indifference

U S E L E S S L Y

1 Bum

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RSVP Crossword 1

RSV PHILLIPPI

By Dennis Phillippi

who will turn eighty soon, inherited a dog last year, and that little beast hates my guts. It’s a dachshund, an animal I would not normally consider a threat, but whenever I encounter them on one of their many daily walks, it is all Dorothy can do to keep that snarling monster from dragging her by the leash so it can get at me. It’s a terrible feeling for a grown man to be afraid of something the size of a neck pillow. If a cat doesn’t like what it gets from you, they will simply go to another room. It’s not my intent here to compare the various merits of one animal over another, but I have always found dogs to be…well… needy. They don’t demand attention so

It wouldn’t bite me if I made other people laugh by putting its tiny head in my mouth. much as beg for it. It’s unseemly. They are also very high maintenance. They have to be walked outside, they can’t retract their claws, and their owners have to either bathe them, face being outcast as a smelly dog owner, or shell out a fortune to have someone else scrub their pet. Cats, if you allow them to be, are perfectly capable of being outside alone, only scratch purposely, and are self-bathing. When my wife and I were first together, and I had found my first hovel of an apartment in Memphis, I immediately started wanting a cat. She was skeptical of the enterprise, and, I suspect, my ability to care for another living thing. Then we were at this street carnival they used to have downtown before that twenty-year

stretch when everyone stopped going downtown, and we found a kitten that fit in the palm of my hand. It was lost, scrawny, and adorable. We fed it melted ice cream and it came home with me. That little cat would ride in my sweatshirt hood. It wouldn’t bite me if I made other people laugh by putting its tiny head in my mouth. Try doing those things with a puppy. Still, a kitten is an awesome destructive force. Pound for pound, they can do more damage than a toddler, because they can climb a lot higher. Plants were sacrificed for cat ownership. Rolls of toilet paper destroyed for its amusement. There are still scars on my hands from its terrible, sharp little teeth. But then it grew in to a charming cat that lived for eighteen years. It went a little insane at the end and took to attacking everyone, but we loved that cat. After a suitable mourning period after its passing, we got another cat from our neighborhood cat adoption joint, the House of Mews. In short order we realized that this cat was less of a loner than our first cat, so we went back and got it its own cat. Two cats is a perfectly normal, reasonable number of cats for a household. They spent their days stalking and attacking one another in a hilarious months-long war. Then this other cat started hanging around outside. This cat had clearly been owned before because the first time we met it walked onto the porch, jumped onto my chair, climbed onto my chest, pushing my book out of its way, and went to sleep. The weather got cold, the cat started getting beaten up and losing weight, and I prevailed against my wife to just bring it inside long enough to get it to the vet, get it into better condition and then unload it on someone else. It’s been living in our house for four or five years, and it has grown enormously fat. Now we have three cats, which even I will concede is one more cat than a household probably ought to have. If any of the above has offended you, please don’t bother writing. I’ve heard it all before. After all, I’m a boy who has cats.

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“D

ogs are for boys. Cats are for girls.” This phrase was uttered recently by a woman sitting with a group of people sitting near me. She said it without a trace of irony. Mind you, she looked about 22, had a voice pitched near to that of a boat horn, and had probably never said anything with a trace of irony. Were she old enough to remember the song by Alanis Morissette, she probably thinks a black fly in her chardonnay would constitute irony. The meaning of irony is another column altogether. This one is about cats. As it happens my wife and I own three cats. That’s exactly what I mean. We own them. They are not feline companions or members of our family; they are possessions. I just wanted to get that out of the way to diminish the possibility that anyone would get the impression that we are crazy cat people just because we have three. They are sweet, affectionate and, like every cat I have ever known, decidedly stupid. Before you start that email, bear in mind that I have had cats all of my life. I am a cat man. When I was a kid we briefly had a dog whose name I have long since forgotten that spent a stretch chained to the big tree in our back yard, carving a horizontal groove in the bark of the tree and a circle of dirt at the terminus of the chain. It spent all day, every day barking frenziedly at things there or not. Some kids would stand just out of range and enrage the dog, trusting the strength of that chain. I always secretly hoped it would break and the real show would start. I pitied that dog. I also feared and despised it. Because of that experience, I am not a dog man. I get along with some of them fine. I’ve even had good relationships with other people’s dogs, but they’re just not for me. For the most part they can sense that I don’t feel comfortable around them and react accordingly. My friend Dorothy,

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100 Years of Service

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1939

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appy couple Josephine “Josie” and Captain Guston T. Fitzhugh are captured here in a snapshot of the two in Florida in 1939. A veteran of the Spanish-American War, Captain Fitzhugh was a prominent Memphis attorney and served on the Directorate for the Commercial Appeal. Daughter of Major R.W. Millsaps, the founder of Millsaps College in Jackson, MS, Josie worked tirelessly throughout her lifetime to improve the lives of young students who might not otherwise have been able to afford the opportunity to seek education. Josie’s legacy of service continues a 100 years later through the amazing work of the Josephine Circle, one of the oldest charitable organizations in Memphis that continues to fund academic scholarships and interest-free loans for deserving college students in the community. PHOTO COURTESY OF JO WALT, GRANDDAUGHTER OF JOSIE FITZHUGH SPECIAL THANKS TO EULAH HORRELL, PRESIDENT OF JOSEPHINE CIRCLE If you have a past photo you would like to share with RSVP readers, please contact Rachel Warren at 276-7787 ext. 105 or e-mail the photo and caption to editor@rsvpmagazine.com All photos will be returned promptly.